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Cyan Worlds’ remake of Riven launched on June 25, 2024. It is already available, and the game has since expanded beyond its initial PC and Quest release to PS5, PS VR2, and Xbox Series X|S. Physical editions have also been announced.
When did the Riven remake come out?
Cyan Worlds announced the release date on June 3, 2024: Tuesday, June 25, 2024. That is the remake’s original launch date, not an upcoming release. Cyan’s announcement covered the initial release.
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What is the remake, and how is it different from the 1997 game?
This is a separate, from-the-ground-up remake of Cyan’s 1997 adventure—not an update to the original and not the Starry Expanse fan project. Cyan says the remake was developed by Cyan, with the Starry Expanse team helping kick off the project. Owning the 1997 game does not grant access to the remake; it is a separate purchase. Cyan’s FAQ explains the project and upgrade distinction.
The remake replaces the original’s point-and-click presentation with freely traversable, real-time 3D environments. Its focus remains exploration: observe the surroundings, follow clues, decipher languages, and solve environmental puzzles. Cyan describes the remake as expanding the story and world, including added characters and refreshed puzzles. It was developed for flat-screen play and VR in parallel.
#1 Best Overall
- Adds the Bard as a new playable merchant character for the Merchants Cove board game
- Use a distinctive tempo-dial mechanism to plan performances, manage timing, and pursue fame and glory
- Introduces a fresh asymmetric merchant play style for players seeking new strategic options in Merchants Cove
- Bring musical performance and bardic flair to the fantasy marketplace while competing against rival merchants
- Requires the Merchants Cove base game plus board and components from Bardwood Grove or Bardwood Grove: Spirits of the Grove
Richard Vander Wende, identified by Cyan in connection with the remake, described revisiting the story: “We looked at the backstory that gave rise to the world of Riven, and the characters that inhabited it. We found discrepancies and corrected those, and embellished things that needed to be filled in.” Cyan’s Riven page also distinguishes the remake from the original, which Cyan says used over 4,000 pre-rendered images and over three hours of animation.
Which platforms can you play Riven on?
| Platform | Availability and play mode |
|---|---|
| Windows PC | Available through Steam and GOG; supports flat-screen play and PCVR through those stores, according to Cyan’s FAQ. |
| Mac | Available on the Mac App Store for Apple-silicon Macs. Cyan says a Steam or GOG purchase includes Windows, Mac, and PCVR options. |
| Meta Quest 2 and Quest 3 | Available as a standalone VR game. |
| PlayStation 5 | Available since May 19, 2026; Cyan lists PS VR2 as optional and PS5 Pro Enhanced. |
| Xbox Series X|S | Available since May 19, 2026. Cyan also announced availability through the Microsoft Store. |
The console release announcement listed an initial price of $34.99 USD. That is historical launch pricing, not a guarantee of the current price; check the relevant storefront for current price and compatibility details. Cyan’s May 2026 console announcement lists the platforms and PlayStation features. For the original PC and Quest platform details, see Cyan’s launch FAQ.
Rank #2
- 1-player game
- Takes about 30 minutes to play
- Unique and fun
- The mission of Rio Grande Games is to promote the playing of games, which offer the players choices
Is Riven a VR game?
It can be played in VR, but it is not limited to VR. The game launched on standalone Quest 2 and Quest 3, as well as on PC with PCVR options; flat-screen play is supported too. PS5 players can use PS VR2 optionally. Platform-specific features may differ, so check the listing for the version you plan to play.
Will Riven have a physical edition?
Cyan has announced physical editions for PS5, Xbox, and PC (Windows/Mac). The console editions are discs; the PC box contains a digital code rather than a disc. Cyan’s July 2026 Mysterium announcement and September 2026 news index identify Limited Run Games as involved, with Standard and Big Box editions and preorders announced to open September 18 and run through October. The exact closing date, current preorder status, availability, and shipping details are not established here; check the live Limited Run Games product page before relying on them. Cyan’s Mysterium announcement and Cyan’s news index provide the edition and preorder details.
Rank #3
- Solo Strategic Gameplay: Battle Elemental Giants through tactical card combos and chaining mechanics that reward clever decision-making and strategic planning across multiple challenging encounters
- Four Unique Boss Fights: Engage four distinct boss battles across three different Wraith ages, ensuring high replayability and fresh strategic challenges with each playthrough
- Award-Winning Design: Created by acclaimed designer Scott Almes with rich narrative by Bryan C.P. Steele, delivering polished mechanics and immersive storytelling for discerning solo gamers
- Epic Fantasy Theme: Experience a gripping narrative where you inherit your grandmother's duty to protect your village from catastrophic destruction by powerful Elemental Giants
- Complete Game Experience: Includes three Wraith boards, four Giant boards, multiple card decks, tokens, and story book providing hours of engaging solo entertainment in 30 to 45 minutes
How has the remake been received?
Steam’s English-language user reviews were 93% positive from 2,279 reviews in a snapshot accessed October 8, 2026. That is a changing Steam user-review figure, not a critic score or a permanent rating. Steam’s Riven listing is the source for the live review snapshot. Cyan’s game page reproduces scores of 9/10 from PCGamesN, 90/100 from PC Gamer, and 100/100 from GamingTrend; those are outlet scores, not a single aggregate rating. Cyan’s Riven page lists them.
What about the soundtrack?
Cyan announced in April 2024 that Robyn Miller, co-founder of Cyan and the original composer of Myst and Riven, was creating new music for the remake. That announcement said further information on soundtrack release and availability would follow; it does not establish that a standalone soundtrack is currently available. Cyan’s music announcement has the details.
Quick Recap
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